A serious motor vehicle accident can leave lasting emotional and physical trauma. In the days following a serious crash, it’s completely normal to feel anxious, distracted, or have trouble concentrating, particularly if there’s ongoing pain. Many people also face feelings of isolation and uncertainty about what lies ahead after such incidents.
At Coast Injury Medicine, our team of experienced car accident doctors understand how confusing this stage can be, and are happy to provide this resource to help those affected by car accident injuries. This guide addresses key questions for anyone recovering from a collision, and offers strategies for moving forward.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, follow this comprehensive guide to shorten your recovery time and improve your case value.
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A Step-By-Step Guide on What to Do After A Car Accident
At the Accident Scene:
Check for injuries. If someone is hurt, call 911 and stay put unless remaining at the scene would put anyone in danger. Move vehicles out of active traffic if possible, activate your hazard lights, and set up cones or flares if available to alert other drivers. If someone is seriously hurt or vehicles cannot be moved, stay where you are and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Try to remain calm, and do not admit fault.
Notify law enforcement. Laws require police notification for accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even with minor accidents, it’s wise to call 911; dispatch will send both police and medical responders as needed. Obtaining a police report is essential for potential insurance and legal claims down the road.
Collect information. If conditions are safe, exchange names, contact details, driver’s license and insurance information, and vehicle descriptions with all involved drivers. If you can, collect contact information for any witnesses, as well as photos of all vehicles, license plates, injuries, and property damage. Also, make note of the accident scene, such as road conditions, debris, and relevant traffic signs.
Gather evidence. To the best of your ability, document what happened. Use your phone for wide and close-up photos from different angles, capturing vehicles’ positions, visible damage, debris, skid marks, and road or weather conditions. (Videos can help provide a full context.) If possible, sketch the accident layout with lane markings and points of impact. If there are witnesses, record their statements and ensure you have their contact information.
Once You Leave the Scene:
Get a medical evaluation. This step cannot be emphasized enough: always undergo a complete medical assessment after being in a car accident. Even without immediate symptoms, some injuries—such as whiplash or concussions—may take days to present. Track all symptoms and medical visits thoroughly, as hidden injuries can have long-term health impacts if untreated.
Contact your insurance provider. Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if it was not your fault or you are undecided about making a claim. Make sure to give them all the required information and documentation. State regulations require certain minimum levels of bodily injury and property damage coverage. If the other driver is uninsured and damages or injuries are involved, file an official report with the BMV within six months.
Consult a car accident doctor. Although hiring a doctor after a collision isn’t mandatory, seeking their expertise can be useful—especially in cases of disputed liability, multiple parties, or slow claim processing. Coast Injury Medicine offers exhaustive medical evaluations for people injured in car accidents. Contact us today for an evaluation.
After a Car Accident, do NOT…
- Leave the scene
- Leave the accident unreported
- Admit liability, even if you believe you were to blame
- Get angry or accusatory
- Let the other driver leave the scene without collecting their information
- Leave the scene without taking photos
- Forget to file a police report
- Fail to promptly file a claim with your insurance company
- Settle with the insurance company before your condition has fully resolved
- Forego a visit with a car accident doctor because your symptoms only “come and go”
- Post about your accident on social media or share unnecessary details.
- Share your medical history with anyone who is not your car accident doctor or attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police after a car accident?
In Washington State, you’re legally required to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s still wise to contact law enforcement. Filing a police report creates an official record, which can help with insurance claims and determining fault later.
Coast Injury Medicine advises against settling privately with the other driver. They may be uninsured or could later dispute the events. Additionally, some injuries may not be immediately apparent; your police report will become part of your legal claim to collect full compensation.
What information is included in a police report?
A police report from a car accident in Washington State contains detailed information gathered by the responding officer at the scene. It begins with the date, time, and exact location of the crash, along with the type of roadway and whether it occurred inside or outside city limits. The report also includes the names, addresses, and contact details of everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses, as well as vehicle registration, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
The report outlines each vehicle’s condition and any apparent damage or mechanical issues, identifying which parts were impacted. It also records driver information, such as license status, whether seat belts or helmets were used, and if there were any signs of impairment, distraction, or traffic violations like speeding or DUI.
Additionally, a diagram and written narrative section describe how the crash happened according to witness statements and the officer’s observations. The report concludes with the investigating officer’s name, badge number, and signature, ensuring it serves as an official record for insurance or legal purposes.
If you filed a Washington State police report, you may view it here.
Should I see a car accident doctor after an accident, even if I feel okay?
Yes, it’s critical to see a car accident doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine. After a crash happens, your body releases adrenaline and stress hormones; this can mask pain or injury and let you feel okay in the short term.
However, conditions such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries might not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation helps detect hidden damage early, preventing small problems from becoming serious health issues later on. Getting examined promptly gives you peace of mind, ensures early treatment if needed, and strengthens any potential claim related to the accident.
Seeing a doctor also protects you legally and financially. Medical records provide proof that any injuries were caused by the accident, which can be critical for insurance claims or legal actions. If you wait too long, insurers may argue that your injuries weren’t related to the crash or that you made them worse by delaying treatment.
To see a Coast Injury Medicine car accident doctor, contact us and we will be in touch soon.
I was injured in a car accident. What happens next?
Your first priority should be your health and safety. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor, since symptoms can worsen over time or may not be obvious immediately. Timely treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates a record, which will be important for any insurance claim or legal case related to the accident.
Additionally, you may wish to consult with a personal injury lawyer, especially if your injuries are serious or if there’s any dispute about who was at fault. An attorney can help protect your rights, handle communication with insurance adjusters, and guide you through compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
Who will pay my medical bills after a hit and run in Washington State?
The payment of medical bills after a hit and run in Washington State usually starts with your own insurance.
Most Washington drivers have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on their auto policies, which is no-fault coverage and pays medical costs regardless of who caused the accident—even if the other driver fled the scene. PIP typically covers between $10,000 and $35,000 in expenses, including hospital bills and other immediate treatments. If you don’t have PIP or reach its limit, your health insurance will kick in, though you may be responsible for co-pays and deductibles.
You may also have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you selected it on your policy, which helps pay for injuries when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured, as in hit and run cases. If you eventually identify the driver, you may be able to pursue their insurance for compensation, but this process can take time and is often uncertain. If you do not have adequate coverage, providers may file a medical lien, which means they’re paid out of any settlement or court award you receive later.
It’s important to keep thorough records and consult an attorney if needed. When your insurance pays your bills, they can reclaim some or all costs from any future accident settlement or verdict, so you may need to reimburse them if your case resolves in your favor.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington State?
In Washington State, you have three years from the date of the car accident to file a claim for both personal injury and property damage. This means you must either reach a settlement with the insurance company or file a lawsuit within that period. If you miss this three-year statute of limitations, you lose the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, or other accident-related losses.
Because evidence and witness recollection fade over time, it’s best to act promptly to protect your rights and ensure a strong claim. You will want to seek out a medical evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified car accident doctor if your symptoms are severe and ongoing.
It’s also important to note that insurance companies have much shorter deadlines than the state does. Most insurers require you to report the accident within a few days or weeks, and failing to do so could lead to a denial of your claim. Filing quickly with both your insurance provider and, if necessary, the courts keeps all your legal options open.
Schedule a Consultation with a Car Accident Doctor in Washington State
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
After a car accident, you should see a car accident doctor as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours after the crash. If your injuries are severe, go straight to the emergency room.
Even if you feel fine, adrenaline and shock can mask pain and symptoms, and some injuries like concussions, whiplash, and soft tissue damage may not appear for days. Early medical care allows doctors to identify and treat hidden injuries before they worsen and helps ensure you recover properly. Moreover, seeing a doctor right away creates a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, supporting any future claim for compensation.
What does a car accident doctor do?
The experienced car accident doctors at Coast Injury Medicine specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries caused by vehicle collisions. Our medical staff understands the unique physical effects of car crashes, such as whiplash, concussions, spinal misalignments, and soft tissue damage.
During your first visit, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation. This includes checking vital signs, assessing range of motion, conducting neurological exams, and ordering imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to identify both visible and hidden injuries. Our service list can be found here.
Finally, our car accident doctors also play a crucial role in documentation for insurance and legal purposes. They record your injuries, treatment plans, and recovery progress in detail, which becomes vital evidence in accident claims or lawsuits. This not only supports your healing process but also protects your rights if you seek compensation for medical bills or lost wages.
What kind of post-treatment care will I receive?
Our car accident doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to help you recover safely and fully. This may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management treatments, or referrals to orthopedic or neurological specialists. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent long-term complications from your motor vehicle injury.
Our medical providers and helpful support staff will be available for followup questions as they arise. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.
Car Accident? We’re Here To Help.
Coast Injury Medicine is proud to offer diagnosis, treatment and support for people injured in motor vehicle accidents. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.